Lasith Malinga’s participation in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians has taken several twists. Before the tournament, it was announced that he will not be available for the first six matches. He was slated to play in the domestic tournament in his country.
But last week, he had a meeting and the SLC allowed him to participate in the IPL. The Board believed that the “level of competition would be higher and help him prepare better for the big event”. Malinga made his way to India and joined the Mumbai Indians camp.
After missing the first game against Delhi Capitals, he went on to play the next 2 games for the franchise. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he gave away 47 runs from 4 overs. But he bowled the crucial last over in which he got his side home. But that over also included the infamous no-ball that the umpire missed. Then, in the losing cause against Kings XI Punjab, he conceded 24 runs from 3 overs.
Now, the 35-year-old is once again heading back to his country on Wednesday to participate in the Super Provincial One Day Tournament. The four-team event will take place from 4th to 11th April. It is believed that Malinga is eyeing the captaincy of the Sri Lankan side for the Cricket World Cup to be held in England and Wales later this year.
“Yes, he (Malinga) will be reaching Sri Lanka tomorrow and will be available for the provincial tournament,” Sri Lanka’s chief national selector Ashantha de Mel said as quoted by Sportstar.
Replacement already in the camp
As a result, the pacer will miss the next few games in the IPL. However, Mumbai Indians have found an able replacement. The Australian fast bowler Jason Behrendorff has joined the side after the completion of the ODI series against Pakistan in UAE. The tall pacer is expected to be slotted in straight away in the line-up.
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